by 
If I’m being 100% honest, I don’t really like the beach.
I think it’s pretty, and I love the ocean—when I’m looking at it from afar.
But I often get tired of the hot sun, and the best way to relax is with a book in hand.
If you’ve been wondering which books are perfect for enjoying at the beach, I’ve put together a list for you!
Of course, I’ve included books from different genres, but they all have one thing in common—they’re so interesting and captivating that the hours will fly by.
So if you’re looking for a book that will keep you hooked from start to finish on your beach trip and absolutely deserves a spot in your beach bag, these are the ones for you!
1. The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore
If you love a little mystery with your beach read, The Dollhouse Academy is an intriguing mix of dark academia, friendship, and the price of fame.
Ivy has spent years at an elite performing arts school, but behind its glamorous doors lie eerie medical exams, strange supplements, and chilling secrets.
Meanwhile, best friends Ramona and Grace arrive at the academy, hoping for stardom, only to find themselves in a world of fierce competition and cryptic warnings.
As Ramona unravels Ivy’s past and the academy’s truth, things take a sinister turn.
A perfect pick if you love thrilling, twisty dark academia books with heart.
2. Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks
This beautiful memoir is a deep, moving reflection on grief, healing, and love.
When Geraldine Brooks suddenly loses her husband, Tony, she is thrown into a whirlwind of loss and responsibility.
Years later, she escapes to a remote island in Australia, seeking solace and understanding through different cultural grieving traditions.
If you love thoughtful, heartfelt memoirs that explore the depths of love and loss, this one will stay with you long after the last page.
3. Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
If you enjoy literary fiction with emotional depth, Dream Count is a must-read.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie weaves the lives of four women—each managing love, ambition, and self-discovery.
Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer, reflects on her past relationships while isolated during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, her best friend, cousin, and housekeeper each face their own struggles with identity, motherhood, and unexpected hardships.
This novel feels like a conversation with an old friend—rich, poignant, and utterly captivating.
4. Gliff by Ali Smith
Ali Smith always brings something unique and thought-provoking, and Gliff is no exception.
Set in a near-future world where everything is shifting, this story explores human connection, individuality, and what it means to truly leave a mark.
Two children and a horse become unlikely symbols of resilience in a time of uncertainty.
If you enjoy books that make you pause and reflect, this is a beautiful, poetic read to savor on a quiet beach day.
5. One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
If you love historical fiction filled with courage, resilience, and deep friendships, One Good Thing is an unforgettable read.
Lili and Esti, two Jewish friends in Italy, are forced into hiding as war rages around them.
When Esti is gravely injured, she entrusts her son to Lili, sending her on a perilous journey through Nazi-occupied Italy.
This story of love, survival, and found family is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
And it’s perfect for those who adore historical sagas with strong heroines.
6. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is a queen of witty, romantic stories, and this one is packed with humor, tension, and a dash of mystery.
Alice and Hayden are both writers, competing to tell the life story of the elusive heiress, Margaret Ives.
But Margaret isn’t giving up her secrets easily, and neither is Hayden—especially as sparks fly between him and Alice.
This is the kind of book you’ll want to devour in one sitting, laughing, swooning, and guessing along the way.
7. Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Rich with history, family ties, and the fight for identity and justice, Happy Land is a powerful read.
Nikki’s grandmother calls her back to their ancestral home, revealing a lost piece of their family’s past—a kingdom once ruled by their ancestors.
As Nikki learns about Queen Luella and the struggles of their land, she faces the modern reality of what’s at stake.
If you love historical fiction with deep roots and strong female leads, this is one to treasure.
8. 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
Nothing says beach read like an Elin Hilderbrand novel!
28 Summers is a sweeping love story about Mallory and Jake, who meet one summer and begin a once-a-year secret romance that lasts nearly three decades.
As time passes, life pulls them in different directions—marriage, careers, even politics—but their summer tradition remains.
Until Mallory’s final request threatens to change everything.
If you love bittersweet, romantic dramas with beautiful beach settings, this one is perfect for lounging under the sun.
9. Isola by Allegra Goodman
A survival story, a love story, and a story of resilience all in one, Isola follows Marguerite, a once-privileged young woman abandoned on an island with her lover after their relationship is discovered.
Left to fend for themselves, they must learn to navigate the harsh wilderness, their own fears, and faith.
Inspired by a real historical figure, this novel is gripping, atmospheric, and perfect for anyone who loves epic survival stories.
10. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Anne Tyler’s books always capture family life with warmth and humor, and Three Days in June is no exception.
Gail is already overwhelmed—she’s just lost her job, her ex-husband has shown up out of nowhere, and now, on the eve of her daughter’s wedding, a shocking revelation could change everything.
A light yet heartfelt novel about family dynamics, love, and unexpected twists, this is a great pick if you love stories about relationships with a touch of humor.
11. Four Ways to Wear a Dress by Gillian Libby
If you’re looking for a fun, uplifting read with friendship, romance, and self-discovery, this book is for you!
A group of best friends reunites and realizes one special dress has somehow shaped their lives in different ways.
Witty, heartwarming, and full of charm, this is the kind of feel-good story that’s perfect for a relaxing beach day.
12. My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
This one is a perfect book to slip into your beach bag.
Emilia del Valle has never been one to follow the rules.
Born in 1866 to an Irish nun and a Chilean aristocrat, she grows up in San Francisco with a loving stepfather who supports her independent spirit.
But Emilia wants more—more than what society expects of her, more than the stories she secretly publishes under a man’s name.
She dreams of seeing the world and making a name for herself as a journalist.
When she lands a job at the San Francisco Examiner, she proves she has the talent and determination to succeed. But even that isn’t enough to quiet the restlessness inside her.
When an opportunity comes to report on a civil war in Chile—the land of her father—she takes it, traveling with a fellow journalist, Eric Whelan.
As she gets closer to the truth about her family, Emilia also finds herself in unexpected danger and facing choices that could change everything.
This book has everything you want in a great summer read: strong characters, an exciting journey, a touch of romance, and the kind of rich storytelling Isabel Allende is known for.
Let me know which of these books you’re adding to your beach bag this summer!
If you’re in the mood for a swoon-worthy summer romance, I’ve put together a list of my personal favorites.
And if you’re just looking for a feel-good, uplifting read, I’ve got a post full of heartwarming books you’ll love.
Check them out and let me know what you’re reading!
